A New Home for Vital Community Resources

This dated and damaged big box grocery store has sat abandoned for years, but now has a new opportunity to support its community once more. In partnership with Be Good Development and Chase Bank, we are in the process of revitalizing this site into a vibrant and essential community resource that will help financially empower residents of all types.

Once the existing shell has been renovated, spaces for four tenants have been planned, each of which is intended to help support local residents’ financial well-being and empowerment through a variety of services, including entrepreneur and small business support, financial planning and education, community gathering spaces, and more.

Shopping center sites like this present a host of challenges in terms of human scale and walkability, and while we are continuing to develop strategies to improve pedestrian access and comfort, these initial strategies are vital to those outcomes. New facade materials are thoughtfully laid out in relation to the existing structure and openings while also breaking the tall facade into more human proportions. Warm natural materials are used at the pedestrian level in combination with large glass storefronts and ample space for community-created murals to create a welcoming and personal first impression in a cost-efficient manner.

The main drive aisle along the front of the shopping center is known for drivers speeding through, so a retextured and painted drive in front of the community building will be complemented by strategic changes to the drive and curb profiles for traffic calming, creating a much safer entry experience for visitors.

We’re excited to continue developing this space into a vibrant new community resource.